Upcoming Events
Explore the calendar for Katherine’s upcoming classes and performances, as well as events at Primrose Retreat.
Haut Haus Collective Residency Showcase
The Haut Haus Collective is an emerging, non-hierarchical, cross-border collective of tap dancers and instrumentalists: Claudia Lachance (tap), Brianna Maltais (tap, brush shoes), Taryn Meyer (tap), Michael Pineda (saxophone), Leah Reinardy (percussion) and Dylan Sherman (bass).
Together, they create original music and movement rooted in the traditions of tap and jazz, honoring their Black American origins. Performer roles are fluid, fostering a co-creative ensemble in which each member both responds to and shapes the work.
Each artist’s creative background spans multiple genres, styles, and practices, ranging from Honduran music to musical theater, classical percussion, and spoken word poetry— as well as mentorships in Black American music and dance. This versatility allows Haut Haus to compose works that weave these influences into a shared rhythmic and improvisational language.
Throughout 2024, the collective spent four weeks living and collaborating in Toronto as part of the Heather Cornell Legacy Project, composing in duos to further Cornell’s mission of reconnecting North American music and percussive dance. In May 2025, Haut Haus established themselves as an ensemble during their LEÑA Residency on Galiano Island, British Columbia. They are grateful for their time at Primrose Retreat to continue expanding their material.
The Rhythm Project
Southern Spain, Africa, Ireland and the antebellum American South: what do all these regions have in common?
They’re all places that gave birth to unique forms of percussive dance—dances where the dancers make sounds as well as shapes with their bodies. See and hear all these forms in action with “The Rhythm Project,” a new interdisciplinary production featuring Irish dance, body percussion, Flamenco and rhythm tap with live music.
“The Rhythm Project” features a diverse array of Madison’s finest percussive dancers and musicians, with a recorded narration providing historical context and wry observations about these dance forms.
The performers are Katherine Kramer, tap dancer and choreographer; Sean Frenzel, tap dancer; Tania Tandias, Flamenco dancer; Omari Carter, body percussion; James Zavos, Irish dancer; Leah Reinardy, melodica, piano and percussion; and Laurie Lang, upright bass.
“The Rhythm Project” highlights the surprising similarities and intriguing differences between different styles of percussive dance. Combinations are key in dance of all kinds, and in “The Rhythm Project,” they show how keeping the beat brings people together.
The Rhythm Project
Southern Spain, Africa, Ireland and the antebellum American South: what do all these regions have in common?
They’re all places that gave birth to unique forms of percussive dance—dances where the dancers make sounds as well as shapes with their bodies. See and hear all these forms in action with “The Rhythm Project,” a new interdisciplinary production featuring Irish dance, body percussion, Flamenco and rhythm tap with live music.
“The Rhythm Project” features a diverse array of Madison’s finest percussive dancers and musicians, with a recorded narration providing historical context and wry observations about these dance forms.
The performers are Katherine Kramer, tap dancer and choreographer; Sean Frenzel, tap dancer; Tania Tandias, Flamenco dancer; Omari Carter, body percussion; James Zavos, Irish dancer; Leah Reinardy, melodica, piano and percussion; and Laurie Lang, upright bass.
“The Rhythm Project” highlights the surprising similarities and intriguing differences between different styles of percussive dance. Combinations are key in dance of all kinds, and in “The Rhythm Project,” they show how keeping the beat brings people together.
The Rhythm Project
Southern Spain, Africa, Ireland and the antebellum American South: what do all these regions have in common?
They’re all places that gave birth to unique forms of percussive dance—dances where the dancers make sounds as well as shapes with their bodies. See and hear all these forms in action with “The Rhythm Project,” a new interdisciplinary production featuring Irish dance, body percussion, Flamenco and rhythm tap with live music.
“The Rhythm Project” features a diverse array of Madison’s finest percussive dancers and musicians, with a recorded narration providing historical context and wry observations about these dance forms.
The performers are Katherine Kramer, tap dancer and choreographer; Sean Frenzel, tap dancer; Tania Tandias, Flamenco dancer; Omari Carter, body percussion; James Zavos, Irish dancer; Leah Reinardy, melodica, piano and percussion; and Laurie Lang, upright bass.
“The Rhythm Project” highlights the surprising similarities and intriguing differences between different styles of percussive dance. Combinations are key in dance of all kinds, and in “The Rhythm Project,” they show how keeping the beat brings people together.
Join the Rhythm Connection!
A free workshop in rhythm and movement taught by Katherine Kramer, an internationally recognized tap dancer, choreographer, and contemporary dancer.
A part of “The Rhythm Project” with TNW Ensemble Theater.
Ralph Brown: Chorus Three & Teaching Techniques
Single Session: $60, 2-3 Sessions: $55 each, 4-5 sessions: $50 each
The fifth and final session of Katherine Kramer’s deep dive into the artistry of tap legend, Ralph Brown. For more information and registration, visit https://www.katherinekramerprojects.com/classes
The Footsteps and Footwork of Tap Master, Ralph Brown. What were the steps he took to becoming a successful tap dancer and what did they sound like?
Katherine’s own history in tap goes back to NY in the 1970s, during which time she had the great pleasure of studying for 2 years with Ralph Brown. She first heard Ralph, in his hot pink tap shoes, at an event organized by Jane Goldberg at the Village Vanguard in 1978. After moving to NY in 1931 and becoming a regular at the Hoofer’s Club, Ralph went on to working at the Cotton Club, where he performed and toured with Cab Calloway for many years. He performed as well with Charlie Parker, and Duke Ellington, among others, and was a member of “The Original Hoofers.” Ralph performed in films, and on Broadway in “Black and Blue.” His enthusiasm for tap was infectious!!!
Katherine has kept his material alive in her repertory since that time and is committed to sharing both his history and artistry.
Ralph Brown: Chorus Two & Three, plus "Heelology"
Single Session: $60, 2-3 Sessions: $55 each, 4-5 sessions: $50 each
The fourth session of Katherine Kramer’s deep dive into the artistry of tap legend, Ralph Brown. For more information and registration, visit https://www.katherinekramerprojects.com/classes
The Footsteps and Footwork of Tap Master, Ralph Brown. What were the steps he took to becoming a successful tap dancer and what did they sound like?
Katherine’s own history in tap goes back to NY in the 1970s, during which time she had the great pleasure of studying for 2 years with Ralph Brown. She first heard Ralph, in his hot pink tap shoes, at an event organized by Jane Goldberg at the Village Vanguard in 1978. After moving to NY in 1931 and becoming a regular at the Hoofer’s Club, Ralph went on to working at the Cotton Club, where he performed and toured with Cab Calloway for many years. He performed as well with Charlie Parker, and Duke Ellington, among others, and was a member of “The Original Hoofers.” Ralph performed in films, and on Broadway in “Black and Blue.” His enthusiasm for tap was infectious!!!
Katherine has kept his material alive in her repertory since that time and is committed to sharing both his history and artistry.
Dance/Music Jam & Pizza Party!
Come dance, eat, and be merry! In celebration of the Ralph Brown Tap Retreat, there will be live music and celebrations in the barn at Primrose Retreat.
1261 County Rd. U, Verona, WI
$25 cover, Bring Your Own Beverages
Ralph Brown: Chorus Two & Improvisation
Single Session: $60, 2-3 Sessions: $55 each, 4-5 sessions: $50 each
The third session of Katherine Kramer’s deep dive into the artistry of tap legend, Ralph Brown. For more information and registration, visit https://www.katherinekramerprojects.com/classes
The Footsteps and Footwork of Tap Master, Ralph Brown. What were the steps he took to becoming a successful tap dancer and what did they sound like?
Katherine’s own history in tap goes back to NY in the 1970s, during which time she had the great pleasure of studying for 2 years with Ralph Brown. She first heard Ralph, in his hot pink tap shoes, at an event organized by Jane Goldberg at the Village Vanguard in 1978. After moving to NY in 1931 and becoming a regular at the Hoofer’s Club, Ralph went on to working at the Cotton Club, where he performed and toured with Cab Calloway for many years. He performed as well with Charlie Parker, and Duke Ellington, among others, and was a member of “The Original Hoofers.” Ralph performed in films, and on Broadway in “Black and Blue.” His enthusiasm for tap was infectious!!!
Katherine has kept his material alive in her repertory since that time and is committed to sharing both his history and artistry.
Ralph Brown: Chorus One & Specialty Steps (Intermediate)
Single Session: $60, 2-3 Sessions: $55 each, 4-5 sessions: $50 each
The second session of Katherine Kramer’s deep dive into the artistry of tap legend, Ralph Brown. For more information and registration, visit https://www.katherinekramerprojects.com/classes
The Footsteps and Footwork of Tap Master, Ralph Brown. What were the steps he took to becoming a successful tap dancer and what did they sound like?
Katherine’s own history in tap goes back to NY in the 1970s, during which time she had the great pleasure of studying for 2 years with Ralph Brown. She first heard Ralph, in his hot pink tap shoes, at an event organized by Jane Goldberg at the Village Vanguard in 1978. After moving to NY in 1931 and becoming a regular at the Hoofer’s Club, Ralph went on to working at the Cotton Club, where he performed and toured with Cab Calloway for many years. He performed as well with Charlie Parker, and Duke Ellington, among others, and was a member of “The Original Hoofers.” Ralph performed in films, and on Broadway in “Black and Blue.” His enthusiasm for tap was infectious!!!
Katherine has kept his material alive in her repertory since that time and is committed to sharing both his history and artistry.
Intro to Ralph Brown - Chorus One (Intermediate)
Single Session: $60, 2-3 Sessions: $55 each, 4-5 sessions: $50 each
The first session of Katherine Kramer’s deep dive into the artistry of tap legend, Ralph Brown. For more information and registration, visit https://www.katherinekramerprojects.com/classes
The Footsteps and Footwork of Tap Master, Ralph Brown. What were the steps he took to becoming a successful tap dancer and what did they sound like?
Katherine’s own history in tap goes back to NY in the 1970s, during which time she had the great pleasure of studying for 2 years with Ralph Brown. She first heard Ralph, in his hot pink tap shoes, at an event organized by Jane Goldberg at the Village Vanguard in 1978. After moving to NY in 1931 and becoming a regular at the Hoofer’s Club, Ralph went on to working at the Cotton Club, where he performed and toured with Cab Calloway for many years. He performed as well with Charlie Parker, and Duke Ellington, among others, and was a member of “The Original Hoofers.” Ralph performed in films, and on Broadway in “Black and Blue.” His enthusiasm for tap was infectious!!!
Katherine has kept his material alive in her repertory since that time and is committed to sharing both his history and artistry.
Sunset Picnic and Performance
Suggested donation of $20 at the door, under 15 years old are free.
6:00pm - BYO Picnic & Refreshments. With Music by The Honey Pies on the outdoor stage.
The Honey Pies is an exciting collaboration of Madison-based music veterans Jodi Jean Amble, Tom Waselchuk, Doug Brown, and Matt Rodgers.
7:00pm - Video Break and Performance by The Primrose Ensemble in the barn.
The Primrose Ensemble is a colelction of artists brought together by tap artist Katherine Kramer. Performers contributing to this performance include Kramer, Sean Frenzel (tap dancer), Omari Carter (body percussionist and video artist), Leah Reinardy (pianist), Austin Cebulske (saxophonist), and Laurie Lang (bassist).
Sunset Picnic with Music and Dance
Picnic begins at 6:00pm, Performance begins at 7:00pm
Suggested Donation: $15 at the door. Reservations encouraged.
Six artists come together to create an evening of improvisation and collaboration, weaving their diverse art forms into a tapestry of playful and poignant encounters. Each performance unfolds with shifting combinations of tap, dance, piano, saxophone, guitar, and voice—offering fresh perspectives and spontaneous interplay.
At the heart of Shifting Perspectives is improvisation: exploring listening, leading, following, arranging and re-arranging, while reflecting the complexities of today’s world. Though each artist contributes a distinct background and perspective, common themes emerge through their dialogue in sound, rhythm, and movement.
The audience will be seated in the round, fostering an intimate atmosphere that invites not only witnessing but also a sense of shared participation in a collective journey.
Featuring Shifting Perspectives
Katherine Kramer (tap)
Sally DeBroux (vocals)
Leah Reinardy (piano)
Sean Frenzel (tap)
Abby Taylor (dance)
Austin Cebulske (saxophone, guitar)
